A native of Savannah, Georgia and a graduate of the Virginia Military
Institute, Captain Tom Parker was commissioned an Ensign in January
1976 after completing Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) in Pensacola,
Florida. After completing VT-10 in Pensacola, he was then assigned to
RVAW-120 in Norfolk, VA, to fly the E-2C Hawkeye. He was designated
a Naval Flight Officer in February 1977. He reported to VAW-123 in July
1977 and served in both Maintenance and Operations Departments while
deployed on board the USS SARATOGA (CV 60).

After completing a tour as an instructor at RVAW-120 in Norfolk, he
was assigned to the staff of Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Squadron EIGHT
in Norfolk as the AAW Officer and Force Tactical Action Officer (TAO)
in June 1983, taking part in the liberation of Grenada and the capture
of the Achille Lauro hijackers. In November 1985, Captain Parker reported
to the staff of Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk,
Va, as the Carrier Combat Information Center (CDC) training officer.
During this tour he earned a Masters Degree in International Studies
from Old Dominion University.

In August 1988, Captain Parker joined the Fightin' Bitin' Steeljaws
of VAW-122 in USS FORRESTAL (CV 59), serving as Admin, Operations and
Maintenance Officers. In October, 1990, he reported as Executive Officer
to the Bear Aces of VAW-124 assigned to USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN
71), and took part in Operation Desert Storm, assuming duties of Commanding
Officer in April, 1992. Selected for a Federal Executive Fellowship,
Captain Parker was assigned to the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica,
California from July 1993 - August 1994.

Captain Parker returned to Norfolk to serve as the Operations Officer
onboard USS AMERICA (CV 66) until October 1995, taking part in combat
operations in the Balkans. He reported next to Washington, DC, serving
as the Tactical Aircraft Analyst in the Secretary of the Navy's Office
of Program Appraisal (OPA) until selected for major command. Reporting
to USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3) in Sasebo, Japan as Executive Officer in
August 1998, he assumed command of Belleau Wood in April 1999. BELLEAU
WOOD was awarded the Marjorie Sterritt Trophy as the best ship in the
Pacific Fleet during his tenure in command. After successful completion
of the Navy's largest and most successful hull swap to date, Captain
Parker assumed command of USS ESSEX (LHD 2) in Sasebo, Japan in July
2000.

Next assigned to United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) in Colorado
Springs, Colorado, Captain Parker served as Delta Crew Command Director
assigned to Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center (CMOC), and as the Vice
Director for Plans (J5V) at HQ, USSPACECOM at Peterson AFB. In February
2003, Captain Parker reported to USS Kitty Hawk, home ported in Yokosuka,
Japan, as Commanding Officer.

Captain Parker has logged more than 3500 hours and 650 arrested landings
in the E-2C Hawkeye. Captain Parker's decorations include the Defense
Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (four
awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (two Awards), Navy Commendation Medal
(five awards, one with combat "V"), and various unit citations,
campaign medals, and service ribbons.